Ask the crew: Jeannie Chen’s guide to Tokyo

We spoke to Flight Purser Jeannie Chen about her top things to do, see and eat at her favourite destination, Tokyo. 

“There are parts of Tokyo that only come alive at night. The Kabukicho entertainment district is one of those places; to fully experience it, you need to wait until the sun goes down.”

What to do in Tokyo

I like to start the evening in a peaceful neighbourhood like Meguro. This scenic area has many cherry trees lining its river, making it a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing. It’s also a lovely place for a meal. 

From Meguro, Kabukicho is just a metro ride away. When you get there, you’ll instantly know you’re in the right place, thanks to the life-size Godzilla statue peering out from the buildings. I recommend checking out the nearby Tokyu Kabukicho Tower; it’s filled with bars and entertainment – a convenient one-stop for all things nightlife. 

For a more authentic experience, however, I would walk a little further to Golden Gai. Its narrow streets are lined with traditional Japanese buildings, where you’ll find tiny, cosy bars serving sake or whisky. I love the sense of character there.

What to eat in Tokyo

There are a lot of chic, modern restaurants in Meguro where you can enjoy top-quality food. Torisawa, a yakitori joint, and Sushi Onikai are two of my favourites. They’re both intimate spaces with limited seating, so I recommend booking before you go. Conveniently, both allow you to make reservations online.

What to pack for Tokyo

I usually like to travel with a small bag of essential medical supplies and supplements. You never know when they might come in handy – for example, if you need to settle your stomach after indulging in a lot of rich food.

Tokyo travel information